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LOCAL
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August 2014
KIRBY MUXLOE RESIDENTS FIGHT BACK There is hope yet for democracy! On 26th June Blaby Development Control Committee refused planning permission for Taylor Wimpey to build 88 houses on the fields adjacent to Barry Close in Kirby Muxloe. Why? – because the Kirby Muxloe Residents’ Action Group (KMRAG), with a number of dedicated committee members leading the way, gathered a formidable stack of evidence to demonstrate why this development was such a bad idea. The main issues were the impact on road safety and air pollution, the destruction of wildlife habitat (the area is an official Local Wildlife Site) and green space enjoyed by local people, the lack of adequate infrastructure e.g. doctors’ surgeries and Primary School, the danger of an unmanned, unlit level-crossing as the main pedestrian and cycle access to local amenities, and the increase in flood risk. KMRAG also pointed out that contrary to the recommendations of County Council Highways and Ecology departments, there were clear problems with the scheme. Moreover, the plan to build 88 houses on a site where permission to build just 14 had previously been refused did not make sense. The Planning Meeting on the 26th June was standing room only and Kirby Muxloe residents clearly objected passionately to this development. This demonstration of public opinion, along with well-researched arguments voiced by representatives of KMRAG, Kirby Muxloe Parish Council and our Blaby Council representative won the day.
Whilst acknowledging the need for more (affordable!) houses, communities need to be watchful. Who will protect green spaces if not the communities that use them? Greenbelt is disappearing and villages are being swallowed up by neighbouring cities. Kirby Muxloe is now part of the so-called Principal Urban Area for Blaby. Barry Close was simply an outline planning application and appeals are always possible. If we care about our green spaces and our villages and do not wish to become just a suburb of Leicester we need to be ready to make our case. Doubtless Kirby Muxloe and other villages like it will be the location for further planning applications. The chosen sites may not be on everyone‘s doorstep but the impact will be felt throughout the community. Once our green spaces have gone they are gone for good. This local victory proves that it is worth while fighting to protect our village. Watch this (green!) space!
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